Rep. Poston Issues Statement on 2018 Individual Insurance Rates

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 3 -- The Minnesota State House Republican Caucus issued the following statement by Minnesota State Rep. John Poston, R-9th District, on 2018 individual insurance rates:

On Monday, October 2nd, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released final rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, confirming that Republican-led reforms helped reverse the four straight years of double-digit premium increases and helped to expand health care choices to Minnesota families--particularly in rural areas. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 20 percent or higher without Republican reforms. The individual market serves Minnesotans who do not receive health insurance through their employer or the government.

Over the past four years, premium rates increased by double digits every year, including nearly 60 percent just one year ago. As a result of the reinsurance program recently approved by the federal government, all current insurers will continue serving the individual market next year. In addition, Republicans successfully pushed to expand health care options and improve access to hospitals and doctors. As part of the reinsurance legislation, providers are now required to offer in-network access to more than one health care provider system in the counties in which they operate.

"Due to the reforms that were enacted last session, Minnesotans who purchase their health insurance coverage off the individual market will begin to see their costs stabilize, putting an end to the streak of annual double-digit increases," said Rep. John Poston (R-Lake Shore). "This is great news for Minnesotans, but our work is not done."

These reforms were supported by just one Democrat in the Minnesota House. Governor Dayton refused to sign the measure, opting to let it become law without his signature.